Why I Skipped an Overnight Cruise in Halong Bay

Location

InterContinental Halong Bay is part of a newly developed waterfront area overlooking the bay. Rather than trying to replace cruises, the resort complements them beautifully. We spent our days exploring the bay and returned each evening to a calm, spacious, and immaculately run resort.

Coming from Hanoi, the 2.5-hour drive to the resort felt effortless, especially compared with the fatigue and tight schedules that can come with overnight cruises. The scenic journey itself became part of the experience.

Rooms & villas

Our corner room offered expansive views over Halong Bay and felt more like a junior suite than a standard room. Everything was fresh, clean, and thoughtfully designed and reflected the property being newly opened.

The villas are the real showstopper. Perfect for multi-generation families or larger groups, they feature three or more bedrooms across multiple levels, private pools, private lifts, dedicated parking, and direct beach access. Staying in one of these villas would be an unforgettable luxury experience in Halong Bay.

Dining & bars

Breakfast quickly became a highlight of the stay with a wide selection of local and international dishes. I particularly enjoyed the fresh pho and the coconut coffee as it really made the mornings feel special.

Currently, there are two to three restaurants plus a pool bar in operation, with more outlets opening in 2026. Pricing is reasonable for a brand-new luxury resort, and IHG members can take advantage of dining discounts and food and beverage credits. We especially enjoyed happy hour by the pool while watching the sun dip behind the limestone karsts, which was truly magical.

For guests with Club InterContinental access, the stay is elevated further. The Club Lounge offers a curated food and beverage program and creates a seamless experience while the resort continues expanding its dining options.

Service

Service was a standout throughout our stay. Every staff member we encountered spoke fluent English, was genuinely warm and attentive, and clearly took pride in the property. The team was well versed in IHG Destined rates and benefits, and we felt genuinely looked after from start to finish.

Staying at InterContinental Halong Bay allowed us to enjoy the iconic scenery of Halong Bay by day while returning each evening to the space, comfort, and reliable service of a five-star resort, making it a far more relaxed and enjoyable alternative to an overnight cruise.

Who this resort is ideal for

• Families and multi-generation travelers

• Couples seeking luxury and privacy

• Groups of friends or colleagues

• Guests wanting comfort over a cruise

• Travelers coming from Hanoi

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Vietnam page.